With the cold chain industry constantly growing and evolving, it can be difficult to keep up. To help you gain a clearer understanding of the cold chain, here’s a list of supply chain and logistics terms along with their definitions.
Cold Chain Terms and Definitions
Cold Chain: An uninterrupted flow of a temperature controlled zones throughout the production, storage, and handling of a temperature-sensitive products
Cold Chain Management: Development and implementation of appropriate processes in all stages of the cold chain, including products in transit, in process, and in storage
Cold Chain Product: A temperature-sensitive product
Data Logger: An in-transit temperature monitoring instrument that validates whether or not temperature-sensitive products are stored and transported within the optimal temperature range.
Dry Ice: A solid form of carbon dioxide used as a cooling agent
EPA: Environmental Protection Agency
FDA: US Food and Drug Administration
Gel Pack: A non-toxic, long-lasting gel or ice pack that maintains cold temperatures in insulated packages
Perishable: Goods that will decay over a given period of time or if exposed to detrimental temperature, humidity, or other sub-optimal environmental conditions
Reefer: A transport container that uses an electric or combustion motor to maintain temperature.
FSMA: The Food Safety Modernization Act – a law signed by President Barack Obama enabling the FDA to protect the public health by strengthening the food safety system
Return leg: A part of a shipment route where a reusable container is shipped empty
Reusable: A container that may be reused over many trips
Room Temperature: Refers to 72 degrees Fahrenheit
Shelf Life: The amount of time that a product maintains its freshness
SKU: Stock Keeping Units – A numerical system used to track inventory of a specific product
TCP: Temperature-controlled packaging
Temperature-Sensitive Product: A product that must stay within the prescribed temperature range to remain stable.
Questions? Contact Cargo Data Today
If you’re looking to enhance your understanding of the supply chain industry, contact Cargo Data at (800) 338-8134. As industry leaders for the past 45 years, we’re proud to provide our customers an easy-to-sue solution for the required reporting during production, storage, and distribution of temperature-sensitive products.